It was a tough weekend for the Cincinnati Reds, culminating in back-to-back crushing losses to the Kansas City Royals. After a 7-1 defeat on Friday night, the Reds were further humbled with a 13-1 loss on Saturday, adding to their woes as they stand five games out of the playoff spot.
Compounding their struggles, the Reds had to place starting pitcher Hunter Greene on the injured list due to right elbow soreness. This is concerning for a player who has already undergone Tommy John surgery a few years back.
Despite the setback, Reds manager David Bell offered some hope, saying, "MRI looked good."
Hunter Greene's Stellar Season
Greene has been a standout performer for the Reds this season, making 24 starts and racking up impressive statistics. With a 9-4 record, a 2.83 ERA, and a 1.02 WHIP, Greene has positioned himself among the top pitchers in the league. His 162 strikeouts over 143 1/3 innings further solidify his dominance on the mound.
Before his injury, Greene ranked third in the league in ERA, fifth in WHIP, and fourth in strikeouts. Additionally, he led the league in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to Baseball Reference and was fifth in FanGraphs' WAR rankings. These numbers made a compelling case for Greene as one of the elite pitchers this season.
Reds' Playoff Hopes Dimming
Unfortunately for the Reds, Greene's injury couldn't have come at a worse time. As they try to claw their way into playoff contention, losing their ace is a significant blow. The team now faces an uphill battle without one of their most reliable and effective pitchers. The Reds are currently five games out of a playoff spot and will need to find ways to rally in Greene's absence.
Cy Young Race: Chris Sale in the Lead
As the season progresses, attention also turns to individual accolades. Chris Sale is currently considered the frontrunner in the Cy Young race, making this a challenging year for any other pitcher hoping to claim the prestigious award. Given Greene's impressive stats, he might have been in contention had it not been for his recent injury woes.
The remainder of the Reds' season will hinge on the performances of their other players and how they manage without Greene. Manager David Bell will need to utilize the depth of his roster and inspire his team to maintain their competitive spirit amidst the challenging circumstances. With the Reds' road to the playoffs becoming increasingly steep, every game from now on holds significant weight.
The resilience of the team and its ability to adapt will be crucial as the Reds navigate the final stretch of the season. If they can pull together and compensate for Greene's absence, there's still a glimmer of hope for their playoff aspirations.